Over the years I have collected more photography gear for use underwater than any man would ever need. Recently I have been selling off all the kit I really no longer need. Apart from the film stuff that I actually gave away, I sold all that perfectly good equipment that I was no longer using. I am now down to one housing, a set of ports, two camera bodies and two lenses (for underwater use). I kept a range of lenses for surface and studio use. I recommend it. The feeling that comes with simplification is wonderful.

I buy my own photographic kit. Diving equipment manufacturers and diving services suppliers get even-handed treatment from me whether they choose to advertise in the publications I write for or not. All the equipment I get on loan is returned as soon as it is finished with.Did you know you can now get Diver Mag as an iPad/Android app?

For a number of years I have been refining and reducing my kit to 'essential kit' only system. For underwater use I have one housing three ports and a set of extenders plus 2 cameras and 4 fixed focal lenses (I have specific requirements so 2 are simply not sufficient) plus an additional 2 dSLR lenses for above water use too (50 and 65MPE). I also have a rangefinder + 4 fixed focals - for lightness when walking in the hills. This is, I think, quite sufficient. [I also own 1 film camera - a very battered 1970 Leica M4 with a 21mm Super-Angulon lens from 1963 which though rarely used won't be parted with easily].